I congratulate all those who took part in the preparation of the French proposal, in response to Australia’s call for tenders for its important submarine program.

Manufacturers - in particular DCNS - and government agencies mobilized their efforts in an exemplary manner to promote France’s bid. This is further evidence of our country’s ability to persuade and succeed in the most technologically advanced sectors.

This cooperation over a period of 50 years will open a new chapter in the strategic relations between France and Australia, which are already exceptional and rooted in the long term. Our closeness in terms of values, strategic and overall interests, and in terms of geography, through the proximity of our territories in the Pacific, will be further strengthened by this new joint defense project.